1. Have your Wedding day in the "off season", between November-March.

2. Have it on a Sunday or weekday evening.

3. Limit your guest list.

4. Have a backyard garden wedding. Reception/venue is free.

5. Save on a cake by opting for a small one to cut into and have the rest of the cakes made as sheetcakes.

6. Find a family friend photographer.

7. Make your invitations, favors, table centerpieces.

8. Do buffet style for food and go ethnic/non-traditional American food. Pasta, Mexican, BBQ, Indian.

9. Arrange your own bouquets and buy the flowers in bulk online or at a farmers market.

10. Omit the open bar.

11. Be your own DJ and select music from your iPod and play.

12. Do your own hair and makeup.

13. Have a simple dress. Shop on the rack or find a discounted dress.

14. Don't do flower centerpieces. Candles, vases, etc.

15. Have an early wedding and then serve brunch that way you don't have to worry about serving alcohol or plated dinners/lunches.